Finals time in the West.

My last update was after the gleeing 22-point victory of the Mavs over the Spurs. I had no idea that the series would be as great as it was. It took overtime to decide it. Fitting, in my opinion. Regardless, the Mavs were victorious and are now favorites to win it all. I'm not saying anything right now, but I've had the feeling all season that this just might be the Mavs' year. We've got to get past the Suns first. Can the Mavs earn their first trip EVER to the NBA finals? Soon we shall see.

Now we're even...

113-91. Coming out with a vengance? I think so. Series tied 1-1.

You knew it was coming...

Time for the beginning of what promises to be many playoff rants. Props to the Spurs. They played a great game. Well, all of them but one. Let me just say that I've never seen a more dramatic series of flops pulled off by a certain Argentinaian. You know him: large nose, usually on the floor and calling for a foul because one of the opposing players looked at him funny. I dub thee, Sir Manu Gi-nose-li ... KING! of Flop-shire. You rule that land my friend. When Dirk dribbles by you, you fall over and cry to the officials that you were fouled. Get up and stop crying. I gave credit to where credit was due. The Spurs, being tired and worn, played a magnificent second half of Game 1. Now lets see if you can do it three more times. Two of those are in Dallas. Good luck with that. Dallas may have dropped the first game but I ASSURE you that we'll be back for Game 2. And if Ginobli wants to flop on every foul, maybe we should give him a hard foul and push him over every time so he at least has something to complain about.

Warning!

Viva la Bam features stunts performed either by professionals or under the supervision of professionals to ensure the safety of performers and animals alike. Accordingly, MTV and the producers must insist that no one attempt to recreate or re-enact any of these stunts or activities.

Just a little disclaimer I thought all of you needed to hear. Welcome back to the show of competitive banter. Thanks Reali, let's get to it.

My classes ended today. Not high school ... instead, it was my college classes. I suppose they ended on a fitting note. Actually, each of the two classes pretty much summarized how the semester had progressed for each of them. Today marked the 12th video lecture for our mesoscale class, which just might be a record. That works out to a little less than half of the semester. Radar went about 5 minutes long today and we got our second tests back. Two questions (and two questions only) caused my grade to drop on that test. If those two questions had been thrown out, I easily could have had a low A or at least a high B. Instead, a C. It's ok ... I was encouraged when he started telling us the material on our final. It sounds fairly straightforward.

Now, with the completion of 5 years of college classes, I await my last two college finals. They don't start until Wednesday, May 10th, but I've already started to think about studying for them and getting them out of the way. It's going to be one of the greatest feelings in my life up to this point, I firmly believe. The only other thing I have to do, other than the two finals, is to finished editing my peer-reviewed mesoscale term paper and turn it in on May 12th. Those 3 events are the only things standing between me and the end of my college career at OU as we know it.

However, along with the excitement of finishing 5 years of college comes the sadness of having to part with the everyday joy of seeing all the friends I've made and love. Especially this past year. I know that at first, a 5th year seemed like it was going to be the preverbial pain in the butt, but it's turned out to be one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I've had the opportunity to be on one of the greatest ministry teams and to meet some amazing brothers and sisters in Christ. And honestly, this past spring break at Glorieta was the best one of the 4 that I've been to. My 5th year of college has by far been my favorite but at the same time it's going to be the hardest to go home from.

I'm still on the hunt for jobs. Hopefully the Lord will bless me with a station that will bring Him glory and allow me to glorify Him with. It's all part of the adventure of the post-college era I'm a mere week and a half away from entering.

I'm going to try and enjoy every moment that's left in these few days. Yes, some of it will be studying and working ... but for the most part, it's going to be soaking it in. Norman has been home to me for 5 years and it's going to be hard to leave it. My home is in Texas but Oklahoma has done a very nice job of being hospitable for these 5 years.

And now, your weather headlines for today...